Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

(VATS)

Definition

VATS is a type of chest surgery that requires making tiny openings in the chest. During VATS, the doctor makes small, keyhole incisions and uses a tiny camera (called a thoracoscope) and other small tools. Images from the camera are sent to TV monitors. The doctor relies on these images to do the surgery.

Reasons for Procedure

VATS is used to diagnose and treat a range of conditions. Common reasons to undergo VATS include:

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Arrange for someone to drive you home.

Arrange for help at home during your recovery.

Eat a light meal the night before. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General
anesthesia will be given—you will be asleep during the procedure

Description of the Procedure

You will be connected to a ventilator. This is a machine that moves air in and out of your lungs. Depending on the reason you are having VATS, one lung will be completely or partly deflated. This will allow your doctor to have a better view of the chest cavity on that side.

Several small cuts in the skin will be made along your side. Carbon dioxide gas will be used to fill the chest cavity. The gas will make it easier for the doctor to see internal structures. Through one of the incisions, the doctor will insert the thoracoscope. This camera will send images to the TV monitors. The doctor will rely on these images to do the surgery. Other small tools will be inserted into the cuts. These tools will allow the doctor to grasp, cut, dissect, and suture.

When the surgery is done, the tools will be removed. The lung will be inflated. A chest tube will be placed to drain any air or fluid. The doctor will close the incisions with sutures or staples.

Immediately After Procedure

If you are doing well, the breathing tube will be removed. In the recovery room, the hospital staff will monitor your vital signs. You may be given fluids and medications through an IV.

How Long Will It Take?

1-2 hours (depending on the procedure)

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

You may be able to go home the next day. If you have VATS for a
lobectomy
(removal of part of the lung), the usual length of stay is 3-4 days.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital, you may receive the following care:

Assistance sitting up and moving around soon after surgery.

Directions on how to do deep breathing and coughing exercises—You will learn how to use an incentive spirometer. This device helps you expand your lungs when taking a deep breath.

Chest x-rays to monitor healing—The drainage chest tubes will be removed once your lungs are healed.

Instructions about nutrition and physical activity

Preventing Infection

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

You will need to limit specific activities, but encouraged to walk daily. Follow instructions on wound care to prevent infection. Your doctor may advise pain medications to relieve discomfort. You may need to continue with deep breathing exercises to keep your lungs clear.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Cough or shortness of breath

Coughing up yellow, green, or bloody mucus

New chest pain

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from an incision site

CANADIAN RESOURCES

References

A patient’s guide to lung surgery: Recovering in the hospital. University of Southern California Cardiothoracic Surgery website. Available at:
http://www.cts.usc.edu/lpg-thoracoscopy-recoveringinthehospital.html. Accessed February 2, 2015.

A patient’s guide to lung surgery: Recovering at home. University of Southern California Cardiothoracic Surgery website. Available at:
http://www.cts.usc.edu/lpg-thoracoscopy-recoveringathome.html. Accessed February 2, 2015.

A patient’s guide to lung surgery: When to call your doctor. University of Southern California Cardiothoracic Surgery website. Available at:
http://www.cts.usc.edu/lpg-thoracoscopy-whentocallyourdoctor.html. Accessed February 2, 2015.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.